Tier 2 – The Ambitious Wyrm of Eldoria

**Tier 2 play**

In the vibrant realm of Eldoria, where the skies shimmer with the hues of magic and the air hums with the whispers of ancient spells, a peculiar event has set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. The once-mighty Dragon Council, a group of powerful draconic beings, has been thrown into disarray. Their laughter echoes through the mountains, mocking the idea that humans could ever wield magic as they do. Yet, one dragon, a young and ambitious wyrm named Zephyrax, believes otherwise. Infuriated by the council's ridicule, Zephyrax has hatched a daring plan: to capture a human and teach them the arcane arts, proving the naysayers wrong.

**Adventure Hook:**

The party finds themselves in the quaint village of Eldenwood, nestled at the foot of the Misty Peaks. Rumors swirl among the villagers of strange occurrences—disappearing livestock, mysterious lights flickering in the mountains at night, and a growing sense of unease. The village elder, a wise and weathered human named Elara, approaches the adventurers with a desperate plea. She believes that Zephyrax is behind these disturbances and that he has taken a villager, a young aspiring mage named Lira, to his lair.

**Exploration Component:**

The journey to Zephyrax's lair is fraught with challenges. The party must navigate through the enchanted Misty Forest, where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the paths shift underfoot. They encounter magical creatures, such as mischievous pixies and a wise old treant who offers cryptic advice. As they delve deeper, they must solve puzzles and overcome obstacles that test their wit and teamwork.

**Investigation Component:**

Upon reaching the dragon's lair, a cavern adorned with shimmering crystals and ancient runes, the party discovers remnants of Lira's presence—her belongings scattered about, along with notes detailing her studies in magic. The adventurers must piece together clues to understand Zephyrax's intentions. Is he truly trying to teach Lira, or does he have darker plans in mind?

**Confrontation:**

As the party gathers their findings, Zephyrax appears, a striking figure with iridescent scales that reflect the colors of the magical realm. He is both imposing and charismatic, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

**Boss Enemy Stats:**

– **Name:** Zephyrax, the Ambitious Wyrm

– **Type:** Dragon (Young)

– **Armor Class:** 15

– **Hit Points:** 85

– **Speed:** 60 ft., fly 120 ft.

– **Attack:**

– **Multiattack:** Zephyrax makes three attacks: one with his bite and two with his claws.

– **Bite:** +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage.

– **Claw:** +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 5) slashing damage.

– **Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6):** Zephyrax exhales a 30-foot cone of lightning. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

**Conclusion:**

The party must decide how to confront Zephyrax. Will they engage him in combat, attempt to reason with him, or perhaps even convince him to release Lira and join forces in a quest to prove humans can learn magic? The outcome of this encounter will shape the future of Eldoria and the relationship between dragons and humans.

As the adventurers navigate this high-stakes scenario, they will discover the true meaning of magic, friendship, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Will they emerge victorious, or will Zephyrax's ambition lead to unforeseen consequences? The fate of Eldoria rests in their hands.